Keeping Good Habits When Traveling

All inclusive packages rhyme with sun, pool, beach… alcohol, and all-you-can-eat buffets. When going on vacation in such a context, the challenge is not to lose weight, but simply to maintain it! So here are a few tips to help you manage the temptations to which you might be subjected:

· Do not drink alcohol before 5 PM

On the one had, alcohol dehydrates, and on the other hand it brings unnecessary calories. Your alcohol consumption will definitely be reduced if you wait for supper before having your first drink!

· Drink lots of water

When the weather is hot, perspiration allows the body to maintain a normal temperature. Did you know that we can lose up to 1 L of water per hour when we sweat profusely? Under such conditions, drinking often is vital. For a better hydration, mix a little bit of fruit juice and a pinch of salt with your water: this way, you will recuperate the sodium and potassium you lost through sweating!

· Favor alcoholic beverages with less sugar

Beer, wine, and spirituous in moderate quantities are less caloric choices than sweet cocktails like a Daiquiri or a Pina Colada. By the way, here is a comparative chart of alcoholic beverages:

For more ideas and information about cocktails, I refer you to the article Healthy Summer Cocktails, written by my nutritionist co-worker Marilyne Petitclerc.

· Have a regular meal schedule

The presence of a buffet accessible at all times is not a reason to nibble all day long! The important thing is to follow your hunger and satiety signals: eat when you are hungry, and stop when you feel full. Usually, this means eating 3 meals a day, and snacks as needed. If you are leaving on an expedition for a few hours, bring a couple nutritious snacks to avoid feeling ravenous when you come back to the hotel.

· Be reasonable at the buffet

First, taking an extra plate at the buffet is the equivalent of eating 1, 2, or 3 extra meals a day. At the end of one week, this could affect your weight on the scale! Just be satisfied with one plate, and count on healthy foods: more vegetables and lean meats, and less frying, breading, and sauces. For dessert, opt for a fruit… but allow yourself a few treats every week!

· Be active

Sports activities are within immediate reach during vacation… we only have to think about it! A walk along the shore, renting a bicycle or a kayak, swimming in the pool or in the sea, Latin dance classes, beach volleyball: once you get to your hotel, find out about all the activities offered on site.

Do you have other tips to keep your figure while traveling?

By Vanessa Martin

Keeping Good Habits When Traveling is a post from Nautilus Plus. The Nautilus Plus blog aims to help people in their journey to fitness through articles on training, nutrition, motivation, exercise and healthy recipes.
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